By STEVE ANDERSEN | Daily Racing Form | 21 Aug 2008
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Steve Andersen writes:
DEL MAR, Calif. — Horses treated with anabolic steroids will be banned from racing for 30 days in California from the date of administration, effective Friday, according to a directive issued by California Horse Racing Board executive director Kirk Reed, the regulatory agency announced Thursday.
The board also is increasing pre-race and out-of-competition testing for the anabolic steroids boldenone, nandrolone, stanozolol, and testosterone, according to a statement released Thursday. Those steroids are the only ones allowed to appear in post-race tests.
The racing board is phasing in strict penalties for steroid violations this summer.
In May, the racing board advised trainers to begin withdrawing their horses from steroids to be in compliance with rules approved earlier this year allowing only trace levels of anabolic steroids in post-race tests.
Beginning July 1, trainers were given a “notice” if their horses tested in excess of the permitted levels, but they faced no sanctions. From Aug. 1, trainers were given a “warning” for steroid violations. The warnings will stay on a trainer’s permanent record, pending the results of a split sample and a hearing.
On Sept. 4, the racing board is enacting much tougher penalties, including a loss of purses and a fine and/or suspension for trainers whose horses tested in excess of the permitted levels.
“We will have no sympathy for any owners or trainers who flaunt our rules,” said racing board vice chairman John Harris.
At Tuesday’s meeting, Rick Arthur, the racing board’s equine medical director, said that 38 horses tested in excess of permitted levels of steroids from 418 tested since July 1.
The formation of a veterinarian’s list for horses administered steroids is similar to existing lists for sick and injured horses. Trainers are required to report horses who have been administered steroids to the track veterinarian.
“During their recovery period, those horses will not be allowed to race,” said racing board chairman Richard Shapiro. “This is reasonable in all respects. It protects the horse, the other participants, and the public.”
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Source: ESPN-Horse Racing
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